Memphis Roar

It was a slightly chilly day, with dark gray overcast skies and a constant drizzle that seemed very symbolic. After all, the Memphis football program has been under a cloud of uncertainty and negativity for the entire 2009 season. It had taken a downward turn towards apathy as the season progressed.

Then there was the unforgettable Tommy West press conference announcing his termination as the head coach. A press conference which struck a chord with the fans and city that are hungry for bigger and better things. A Memphis football program that seems to constantly come up short despite making bowls 5 out of the last 7 seasons. Memphis has never won a C-USA divisional title, much less a conference title. West was quick to make sure everyone heard his message of the short comings in both financial support and dedication from the University administration. All of those things are legitimate concerns that have been brought up repeatedly in the media and among the fans. But none of this could damper the hope Larry Porter brought to Memphis with him on this dreary Sunday afternoon. Porter brought home a message of hope.

The press conference was a chance for a homecoming of sorts. Porter is originally from Jackson, Mississippi and went to high school in Columbus, Georgia.  He attended the University of Memphis and took his first coaching job at Wooddale High School in Memphis. Porter has held coaching jobs at UT-Martin, Arkansas State, Oklahoma State, and more recently as running backs coach/associate head coach at Louisiana State University. Porter’s work and determination has reaped him praise from those that have dealt with him personally and his resume is full of accolades for his recruiting success. All of these are great qualities to sell as a potential head coach, with or without coordinator experience. But as I write this, this isn’t about selling Memphis fans on throwing support behind Porter and a community hungry for relevance. It is about his message of unity and taking this challenge on together, both coach and community.

I attended the press conference with the eternal hope as a fan and alum pondering the possibilities and the significance of Memphis taking a path that goes against the conventional wisdom. It was a historic hire. Porter is the first African-American head football coach in the history of the school. He is also the first alumnus given this opportunity. The out pouring of support from many local high school coaches, former players, and current players, who came despite being on holiday break, was genuine and refreshing.  

As this search went on, there were those that clamored for a coach with previous head coaching experience. There were those that wanted a coach that was a known coordinator. Or the latest support to hire a veteran NFL assistant Jerry Gray. At the end of the day, the Tigers took a very unique path for a program that has always looked outside the Memphis family for the answers at the head coaching position. They hired one of their own. Porter is a man that has stayed dedicated and forward thinking. He even discussed openly at his press conference his desire and passion for this program as far back as two years ago.

“About two years ago. I’ve shared this story with a number of people. But, the night the University of Memphis played in the national championship game (April 2008) just happened to be the same night we (LSU Football) were being congratulated by the President for winning the national championship. And, I will never forget because on one hand I was so proud of my alma mater. But, on the other, I couldn’t help but think football could be just as good. And, I believe that. And, I went to bed with that vision in my mind.”

Coach Porter was noticeably nervous as he took the stage after a standing ovation. The uneasiness quickly faded when he began to speak about his desire and passion for the University of Memphis. He broke down his thoughts and plans for the football program into four points.

1. Discipline.  Discipline both on and off the field to ensure his players are not only good football players but also young men that can represent the University and themselves in a positive light.
2. Recruiting.   Porter definitely has a passion for selling his vision and plan to potential student-athletes and their parents.
3. Academics.  He wants his players take pride in putting in the work to be successful in the classroom.
4. Strength and conditioning.  His has a desire to move the strength and conditioning program to another level.

Four Keys as to Why Larry Porter Will Succeed

After the press conference, I had my own four keys why Larry Porter will be successful in raising the bar at Memphis. Those keys are sincerity, vision, passion, and faith. 

Sincerity

Porter’s sincerity stood out from the start of the press conference and afterwards as he met fans. He makes you feel comfortable and it is easy to see how he was twice named National Recruiter of the Year. You understand why he was by far the most popular candidate among local high school coaches and former teammates. Porter’s sincerity and casual style are assets in taking this program in a different direction.

“I want you to understand that we’re all in this together. I do not want you to follow me; I want you to join me in taking Memphis football to a championship level. I think the Memphis job is a diamond in the rough that is waiting to sparkle.”

Vision

There have been times when this program seems to blame its’ own history for its’ present shortcomings. There seems to have been a very reactionary approach from the administration on how to succeed in football and little investment for the future. There is always the yearly talk about raising the bar, but Larry’s approach was one of making sure that he not only has a vision of taking this program to the top of C-USA but a respected program nationally. And this wasn’t some sunshine pumping boisterous pep rally type sell. In Porter’s style, he was deliberate, and laid out his four point plans for success and leaned on the fact that he knew the program. He seemed to embrace the challenge as he feels he is vested in the program as an alum and former player. The fact that so many former Tigers came out to support Coach Porter is a testament in how he has some convinced his vision is a real and attainable. 

“I have a conviction, a passion about it and a vision that allows me to walk into homes and into this community, talk to the student body, the faculty and get them to believe in that vision simply because I’m motivated to get this program to the next level.”

Passion 

There are a lot of coaches that have ideas on improving their programs and have no problem conveying what they “need” to be successful. Often there is a lot of good lip service provided, but little effort extended by the coach. Porter brings a dedicated work ethic that will help sell himself on both the recruiting and fundraising trails. At the end of the day, it will be about players and their abilities to make the coach’s vision a reality. If you want kids to play with a passion, they need to be convinced that their leader is passionate about their success as well.

“The Memphis job is the perfect job in the perfect place for me. I understand the Memphis brand. I believe in it unconditionally. I have a conviction, a passion about it and a vision that allows me to walk into homes and into this community, talk to the student body, the faculty and get them to believe in that vision simply because I’m motivated to get this program to the next level.”

Faith

One of the first things Larry did was thank God for the opportunity afforded him. It wasn’t just his religious faith that won over some in the crowd, but his faith in this community and the potential of this program’s role in the community. There were no demands for support, but instead a hand reaching out for a partner. A partner that accepts its’ responsibility of molding not only good football players but future community leaders to make this a program Memphis will embrace.

“Well, with me leading this program, the first thing I want to change is the attitude of our players. I think there’s a certain attitude that you need, and that’s a championship attitude. I think we’re getting the support from the community. I think we just need to pull together, make sure we’re all on the same page, and go forward.”

“The other think I want to say and I want to make sure we understand this is that you have given me a great responsibility. I look forward to upholding this responsibility and giving you something to be very, very proud of. But at the same time, I want us to fight for what’s right. What’s right is this university; this football program deserves to be champions. So let’s march forward and let’s be champions.”

As we look forward, we should appreciate the past but look to the future. We have made a great hire, not just because of his resume and coaching credentials, but because of his love for this community and University. There will be some that will never be satisfied with whoever is the head coach, but this isn’t about those that don’t care. This is about those of us who do and want to see the best for the football program to benefit this community as a whole. On Sunday, the University of Memphis and those involved in the search gave us a leader. I just hope we as a community can bring the same sincerity, vision, passion, and faith that Larry Porter is looking to use to reinvigorate the football program. I look forward to supporting Larry Porter the coach, but more importantly, to share with Coach Porter the responsibility to do my part to be a positive influence for the program and this community. I hope all fans give Coach Porter the support needed to make this a special program for us all to share.

Press Conference transcript:

http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112909aao.html

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Memphis Roar Pictures from the Press Conference